5 best catches of the 2015 NFL season

The 2015 NFL season provided fans with numerous spectacular plays that ought to be relived for posterity.

Every Wednesday until training camps open, theScore will reveal the best catches, interceptions, runs, defensive touchdowns, returns, game-winning touchdowns, biggest hits, and Hail Marys.

Best Plays of 2015

• 5 best catches
• 5 best interceptions
• 5 best runs
• 5 best defensive touchdowns
• 5 best returns
• 5 best game-winning touchdowns
• 5 best hits
• 5 best Hail Marys​

Without further ado, we introduce our first installment of the series, recapping the five best catches of the year.

5. DeAndre Hopkins vs. Bengals, Week 12

DeAndre Hopkins often looks like a man amongst boys and the Texans superstar put Adam "Pacman" Jones on a poster in Week 12. Hopkins races downfield but is covered well for the entire route, locating the ball with exacting precision. While sticking a difficult landing, Hopkins stiff arms Jones' attempt to dislodge the ball. It should be noted that Hopkins' touchdown gave the Texans a 10-6 victory, handing the Bengals their first defeat of the season.

4. Odell Beckham Jr. vs. Redskins, Week 12

Any list commemorating the best catches of the year would be remiss to not include Odell Beckham Jr.'s exploits. The New York Giants superstar continued to dominate during his second year, embarrassing defenders with numerous one-handed grabs. No play exemplifies Beckham Jr.'s brilliance better than this snag against the Redskins, as he separates from Will Blackmon and stretches out for a diving touchdown catch, dragging his feet to remain inbound as he falls.

3. Ricardo Lockette vs. Panthers, Week 6

Panthers safety Kurt Coleman was outstanding last year, but he got put in the spin cycle by Ricardo Lockette in Week 6. Lockette runs downfield and seems unlikely to get his hands on an underthrown pass by Russell Wilson. However, he pirouettes in front of Coleman, stretching his hands in front of the defender's helmet for an amazing grab. Coleman led the NFL in interceptions and this was an opportunity to build his total, only to be usurped by an act of brilliance.

2. Gary Barnidge vs. Ravens, Week 5

Gary Barnidge went from relative obscurity to Pro Bowl status in 2015, in large part due to some outstanding catches. Barnidge made the most absurd catch of the year against the Ravens, trapping the ball between his legs while falling down for a touchdown. Ravens defenders Will Hill and Daryl Smith appeared to be in disbelief after the play, and for good reason. We can't believe it happened either, and there was only catch that topped it in 2015.

1. Doug Baldwin vs. Vikings, wild-card round

Doug Baldwin elevated his game to unforeseen heights in the second half of the 2015 season, and recorded the catch of the year. In the wild-card round against the Vikings, Baldwin spins away from cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and brings the ball down safely at its highest point. If Baldwin doesn't come down with this surreal grab, it's likely that Harrison Smith intercepts the ball for a massive return. In a game of paramount importance, Baldwin channeled "The Matrix" for the best reception of the season.